MSC Says Preparation Key For Outdoor Trips Over Labour Weekend
Temperatures are warming, gear is being dusted off, and plans are being crafted for adventures deep into the wilderness
of New Zealand over Labour Weekend: “It’s a great time to be getting back into the outdoors if you’ve not been out over
winter.” says Nick Kingstone, Communications Manager of the Mountain Safety Council (MSC). Million's of people —
domestic and international — venture regularly into the outdoors of New Zealand every year. MSC’s research into
incidents in the outdoors uncovered a number of insights that are important to keep in mind.
“Labour Weekend on average has over thirty injuries and three people involved in a search and rescue per day as
participation does increase over the holiday period.
“Labour weekend is the unofficial start of the tramping season and is a good time to get back into the swing of things.
“Being safe in the outdoors is about planning well and making good decisions.
“Annually, we know from our insights that for every 3,109 trampers that go tramping, we expect one to trigger a search
and rescue. There are over 500 searches for trampers every year on average.
“Reducing the number of SAR incidents over the weekend is possible if people plan thoroughly and make good decisions,”
said Kingstone.
MSC’s latest research produced a range of insights that are helping the sector to respond to the increasing demand,
particularly on tracks like the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
“Our latest insights publication ‘A Walk In The Park?’ focused on Tramping and has some important information for those heading out, particularly in certain ‘hotspots’
around the country.
“We just released an Alpine Tramping video series — one of which is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing — that’s all about helping participants get a good look at the track as we discuss the various risks and suggest
appropriate management strategies.
“With the help of our amazing partners, we developed this twelve part series over the last year. It was a huge
undertaking and we’re really looking to the outdoors community to help us get these videos onto blogs, newsletters,
websites and social media pages.
Plan Your Trip In A New Way
Plan My Trip is MSC’s journey planner and is aimed at safe participation in outdoor recreation for families and those
new to the outdoors. The packing list, trip recommendations delivered via the tool are tailored to the activity and
region. The tool builds on the strong partnerships the council has with national organisations dedicated to improving
the safety of outdoor recreation participants in the New Zealand outdoors.
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ENDS